Mission Ethiopia & Project 61

Salam!

Thursday, October 18… Today the team had their flexibility day. We went to Mission Ethiopia and Project 61. This is on the opposite side of Korah from where we were the first few days.

The first thing we did was tour some of the classrooms and watch the women make paper beads and then put them together for necklaces to sell. We got to visit a kindergarten of children that sang us the “ABC” song and “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” song. We enjoyed how well they spoke English. We also had an opportunity to worship with the women who work there and to hear some of their testimonies. Then Myron, Linda, and Clarissa shared their testimonies.

After that, we divided into three groups. Two of the groups rolled paper beads. These women make about 500 necklaces each week. Amazing! Just trying to make 1 bead was challenging for many of us. Myron, Jan, and Shawna strung the beads and made necklaces.

After doing this, we had a quick lunch then served the school children their lunch. We were not surprised that every child cleaned their plate. Very little was thrown away. This is the only meal the children eat each day.

When all were done we divided again into two groups to go visit two different families. One group had a mother of four plus her husband in a 5x4 hut. The kids sleep on floor and 2 of them go to school. The mother does not work but the Father is a laborer. Her children were very small for their ages because of poor nutrition.

The other group had a similar situation, but was invited for a coffee ceremony. This woman had TB and HIV and she had a baby that she said was only one month old. Her daughter, who was 15, roasted the coffee beans and prepared the coffee. They pulled out a brand new set of cups and saucers to serve us with. Each time we go, we are all touched deeply by these people and their children.

After a brief shopping adventure, we went back to the guest house and had pizza—yes, pizza! Then 2 of the ladies from Mission Ethiopia came to the guest house and brought beads so we could make our own designs. I’ve got to say, I was impressed with everyone’s, even Myron’s!

Ciao from Tina!